Faculty Research
Images of African-South Asian Diasporic Consciousness and Connections (Second-Area Travel Seminar, 1999)
You can also choose from the list of images below:
Kanga
Ned Bertz
Photo of a Kanga shop on Zanzibar, run by Indians who live on Zanzibar. The kanga is imported from India.
Kanga is the most popular clothing of the women in East Africa, foremost along the Swahili coast of the Indian Ocean, i.e. Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Mozambique and Uganda. It is not only used as a garment but also as a means of communication.
For an extraordinary web site on the topic, from which the definition above and photo at right are taken, see Bhairav Exports near Kabutar Khana, Mumbai, India. Many Kanga prints are manufactured in India. Pages show the range of products, places to which exports are sent, and details about Kanga.
Zanzibar Images
Ned Bertz
Zanzibaris watching a Hindi film of a neighborhood TV.
Ned Bertz
Arabic ruins on Zanzibar.
Janjira
Ned Bertz
The majestic island fortress of Murud-Janjira.
On the coast about 160 km due south of Bombay, the majestic island fortress of Murud-Janjira was the 16th-century capital of the Siddis of Janjira, descendants of sailor/traders from the Horn of Africa. It is without doubt one of Maharashtra's most commanding coastal forts, stretched along an island a short distance from the tranquil fishing town of Murud and only accessible by local sailing boat. The fort's 12 meter high walls made it impregnable to everyone, even the Marathas - Shivaji tried to conquer it by sea and his son, Sambhaji, attempted to tunnel to it.
Men Dancing in Hyderabad
Ned Bertz
A three image slide show of Indian men of African descent dancing a "traditional" dance in Hyderabad.
Hyderabad Images
Mary in a sari, Catholic church.
Ned Bertz
Boys' school.
A final image needs context. This is an Air India advertising placard meant to lure Indian passengers to Africa. It caricatures Indians and stereotypes Africa. (about 1/4 original size)